Li Ping felt helpless.

He sighed as he looked outside and thought of the crying he had heard from the Xia family's house earlier, as well as the occasional sounds of pots and pans being thrown and arguments coming from households in the alleyway,

"I know about the layoff. The list was decided in a meeting by the factory and the higher-ups. Each household has to let go of one person. Your father is a retired soldier, so the factory will take care of him and let your mother go to increase your father's salary. But Xia Aijun said that your mother was in poor health, so he asked him to resign. Don't worry, I've looked into it and it's not just Wu Youliang who can influence this decision. It's not about revenge. Your Mrs. Xu is also on the list."

Xia Wan knew that the dismissal of the factory was a foregone conclusion. It was the basic route and the path to becoming a powerful country, which would not be shaken. Although the Lake City has a strategic location, a developed economy and a large population, it was located in the southern part of the fifth-tier cities. But it was also a fact that the state-owned factory didn't make money and didn't have good benefits. To make money, he had to cut off the financial support from the higher-ups by making the factory achieve economic benefits and truly come alive. Reform is the first step, and the key to how to reform is to change the mechanism and cut redundant staff.

Having seen the rapid development of the country, Xia Wan had already prepared for the possibility of her family members being laid off. She smiled faintly and did not care at all.

"It's also a good thing for the country to promote reform. As a part of it, we must try our best to cooperate with the government and not cause trouble for the superiors."

These words were steady and generous. Once the pattern was opened, the family's social status would rise from a small family to a big family business. It was quite a big picture. Li Ping thought more highly of Xia Wan and nodded in approval.

"Don't worry. Mr. Li won't let your family suffer any losses. He will give your father everything he deserves, and I'll also raise your father's salary that was supposed to be given to him on your mother's side. After all, Mr. Li has a say in the factory."

Xia Wan smiled lovably and drank the green bean tea. When Li Ping finished, she immediately said with a smile,

"Mr. Li, you are a well-known figure in the entire Lake City, not to mention in our factory. Everyone will show you some respect. Since it's you, I can completely trust you."

Xia Wan naturally flattered him, and Li Ping was so happy that his eyes narrowed.

Li Ping, already 40 years old, looked good. He was no longer the handsome man of in later generations, but the most popular "official appearance" in the society. He was tall and strong, and he was fleshy. He always looked very reliable with a smile, which left a deep impression on people. He had been an accountant in the largest factory in Lake City for nearly 20 years. He had dealt with all kinds of people, from high-ranking government officials to ordinary people in the village. Who doesn't know him and show respect for him?

Therefore, only Li Ping could suppress the cunning Wu Youliang and let him pay the medical expenses with a mild attitude. Otherwise, no one knew how long he would have to deal with Wu Youliang.

Xia Wan sensibly picked up the hot water bottle on the table and refilled Li Ping's glass, which was already half empty. Li Ping bent his fingers and knocked twice on the table to thank her. This was the etiquette of the tea table, which proved that Li Ping regarded her as an equal.

Xia Wan finally figured out what the other party was thinking, and said directly,

"Mr. Li, I'm young and inexperienced, so I want to discuss this with you and see if I can do it?"

Li Ping laughed,

"What's the matter? Tell me."

Xia Wan earnestly told him what she thought about selling noodles, including some details and doubts, without any concealment. She was not afraid that Li Ping would copy her idea. Although this business was small and profitable, it was dirty and tiring. It could be regarded as a hard-earned money. Except for Xia Aijun, who was strong and could endure hardships, ordinary people could not bear it.

Hearing this, Li Ping frowned at first, and then slowly relaxed. He said casually,

"I'll tell the director to reserve a stall for your father at the gate of the county hospital."

This means that the county hospital will provide shelter. Xia Wan was grateful in her mind. At this time, there were many people who have been laid off working at various stalls, but they were not popular. Therefore, as long as there was a market, there was no need to worry. However, the powerful man couldn't suppress the local tyrants. Each place had its own rules. Only with the support of the county hospital can this business truly stand firm.

Xia Wan felt relieved and was able to discuss the neglected aspects more thoroughly with the help of Li Ping's suggestions.

It was already dark. Xia Wan looked at the time and realized it was about time to say goodbye and leave.

Li Ping looked at the back of Xia Wan, and his eyes were full of praise. The intelligence of a child who excelled academically was only slightly better in understanding social relationships than others. But Xia Wan was different. Not only was he calm and reliable, he also spoke and acted in an organized manner. Moreover, she was filial and grateful, which made him a rare existence in the Lake City.

He would definitely become a big shot in the future.